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Every starlet wants master painter Kenon Alavi to do her portrait…and more. But Kenon prefers firm to soft and sates his desires with the boyfriends of the women he paints, enjoying the diversity of many lovers but shunning any attachments.

Wallace Harte’s English degree isn’t helping him find a job and working at a bar is the closest he’s gotten to being the Second Coming of Faulkner. Something’s gotta give soon or he’ll be out on the street.

Kenon zeroes in on the bartender at an art exhibition, intending to add him to his long list of conquests, but Wally bolts, initiating a heated game of cat and mouse. Kenon delights in the game until he discovers what Wally is writing. Feeling betrayed, Kenon swears off all entanglements until he reads Wally’s story and discovers true love is sometimes between the pages and not the sheets.

Inside This book contains hot, sexy scenes of M/M interaction of an artistic nature. Who knew having your portrait painted could be so hot?

147 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 26, 2014

2 people are currently reading
173 people want to read

About the author

Kerry Adrienne

55 books683 followers
USA Today bestselling author, repped by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency. Believer in human rights. Love my kids, my cats, and music.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Ken W.
443 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2025
DNF @ 55%. Ugh. I really hate to DNF 😆 Weak plot. No romance. One “pretty boy” completely undeveloped character and one rich obnoxious condescending dick. 🤷‍♂️ I got this for free from BookBub, thank goodness. Not recommended.
Profile Image for Anna Goerlitz.
1,051 reviews41 followers
January 16, 2016
1.5 stars

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wally is an aspiring writer with writers block, tending bar to make ends meet. One night he tends bar at a gallery event and meets the flamboyant and arrogant painter Kenon.
Kenon wants Wally and a game of cat and mouse ensues when Kenon hires Wally to plan a party (?) at his artist guild G3.

This wasn't for me. I disliked more or less everything in the story: The main characters, the side cast, the setting of the artists guild... But I seem to be very alone in this opinion, so please do not let my review stand on it's own if you are considering picking up this book.

We are introduced to both main characters in chapter 1 and the characterization done here rings true all the way through the book. Wally - really, what grown man calls himself that? - is of the TSTL variety. He falls instantly in lust and awe with Kenon, but believes him to be straight??? huh???

Here's a tip for you Wally: Straight men rarely wear eyeliner, they also rarely touch another mans hand whilst talking to them, and they almost never bite another mans earlobe whilst asking said man to meet them after the show!

Kenon is off the arrogant asshat variety - remnant of Harlequin heroes of 90ies MF romance. He feels entitled, is sure that the whole world revolves around him, paranoid that everyone is out to get him and a bit of a jerk to everyone, including people he calls friends. His career makes NO sense what so ever, apparently he is more or less a living Michelangelo, yet when his portraits are described it sounds like his paints Pirelli calender style pictures??? Very odd.

Kenon lives and works in and for G3, an artist guild cum secret gentlemans club he started with his arty friends. He explains to Wally that every important artist in New York works here. Apparently there are no important female artists or straight male artists in all of New York - everyone we meet inside G3 are male and gay.

I guess the cat and mouse hunt pleased many readers, to me it was annoying. Hot then cold for no apparent reason and with no regard to how Wally responded to any advance. And Wally kept being dense: he kissed me and ground his hard cock up against me, but surely he couldn't possibly want me? I mean, I see where Wally could be confused with the bi-polar routine Kenon puts on, but i don't see how it's sexy? and I didn't really feel the chemistry between them.

Being in lust and awe with Kenon loosens Wallys' writers block and he writes erotic fanfiction about the painter. And somehow along the lines, he falls in love with him.

Simultaneously Kenon falls in love with Wally, but as these two have sworn an oath of never communicating about anything they obviously do not show or tell each other. Everything comes to a head in the last chapter, when Kenon finds out about Wallys writings and automatically believes that Wally was just using him because of his fame...

There is a lot of alluding to Kenons back story - how an ex hurt him and exploited him, which I guess is supposed to be an excuse for the way he behaves? But it wasn't enough for me to understand his character.

There was a silly plot with a wealthy russian, who was there to maybe fund the guild and create conflict between Kenon and his friend as well as between Kenon and Wally. It felt forced and stupid. And I hate conflict which could have been resolved in 2,5 minutes if the characters had just had a quick chat...

The author can write though. The prose was fluent and easy to read, there were no major editing errors and the story flowed nicely. It just wasn't a story for me.

Profile Image for A.E..
Author 47 books3,227 followers
March 8, 2014
I'm not the type to waste time re-writing a synopsis, you can read it for yourselves. Instead I like to talk about the content of the book. Kerry Adrienne gave me this book for an honest review, so here goes.

Two simple words...LOVED IT!!

This is a story that's pretty typical in the romance genre...and not just in m/m. Where there's a MC that's detached his emotions and heart from any involvement in fear of being burned and the other MC that kinda wears his heart on his sleeve and is a hopeless romantic. How in the world can these two come together? It's a storyline I'll never get tired of reading if the author can make it erotically fascinating and give something unique to the story...which Kerry definitely delivers.

The artist is immediately stricken by the average-Joe bartender that happens to be working at his showing. But when the bartender bolts, ignoring the cocky artist's advances...the hunt/challenge is on.

This is truly an entertaining, sweet and sexy read. I found myself anxious to get to the loving...which Kerry makes you wait for. I enjoy angst in an erotic romance if the plot is keeping me engaged...which of course it does.

My favorite is the bartender's thoughts as he falls for the artist. He's writing his feelings after each meeting and it's like an erotic book within a book...which as an author myself...that's not an easy thing to do. You're reading his story, while he's writing a story...and it's so sweet and pure, his heart laid out there every time...sometimes winning...and yes, sometimes he loses, and I found myself pulling so hard...wanting to get to the HEA, but of course not wanting it to end. That's what I call excellent storytelling!! Very nicely done Kerry.

Author A.E. Via
Profile Image for  Rosebud.
1,052 reviews194 followers
October 23, 2014
A chance meeting puts Wallace Harte in the sights of Kenon Alavi, artist extraordinaire, at a exhibition showing where Wally is working as an event bartender. Kenon, used to getting what he wants when he wants it, tells Wally to stay after the event expecting him to obey as so many others have in the past. To his utter shock, Wally runs out before Kenon can implement his plan to seduce the naive man for a night of hot sweaty man on man sex.

And so begins a game of cat and mouse as Kenon lures Wally into a trap that has no escape until/unless Kenon decides to release him from his sexual attentions. Problems arise when Wally and Kenyon's past and present come to light in a way that will test their resolve and loyalties.

* * * *

Hot damn this story was HAWT. Hot like volcano eruptions and the surface of the sun temperature. My girlie parts certainly went on hyperdrive even though the action was totally man on man with not a single vajajay in sight. Anyone living in New York needs to track down the location of G3 and share it with me as I'd love to pull up a chair in some corner and absorb the ambiance of it all. :D

The basic summary is a diva sort of celebrity (who happens to be a master artist) hasn't come out of the closet though that doesn't restrict any opportunities for sexual partners. But. It's always on HIS terms. Enter one working class struggling to make ends meet guy named Wally. Wally has his owns dreams and aspirations that would normally have someone like Kenon red flagging any sort of relationship - even a one night stand - but a nice piece of eye candy and filled out jeans wins the day. The story progresses and evolves from there but you'll have to read the book to discover who/what/when/where.....

I do have to comment on the secondary characters. While I totally appreciated and enjoyed Bos, Tina, Chris, Andrei and a few other unnamed characters, it was Maria who stole the show. Her character amused yet frustrated the heck out of me. I wanted so much more from her but understand it would have defeated the intent of her character's purpose. Regardless, there was an awkwardness with secondary character scenes in general that were forced, didn't flow, and had no bearing on the story itself. A non-spoiler example: a m/f fade in post sex scene.

My other issue is a burning thought that I had that never got answered or resolved. I'm keeping vague so as not to give away where this fits into things. In modern times, it's common for celebrities and high profile people have those who work for them and/or are in relationships or such sign a non-disclosure agreement. That can include health screening and such. That is all.

I totally appreciated and enjoyed this read though it has a few voids that were problematic. The end question is whether I enjoyed it enough to read other works by this author? Definitely and for sure yes !!!!

Profile Image for Penumbra.
1,193 reviews19 followers
April 29, 2014
I received Artist’s Touch from the author through the Goodreads M/M Romance Group’s Don’t Buy My Love program for an honest review.

This story is told in third person through the eyes of both Wallace ‘Wally’ Harte, a writer, and Kenon Alavi, an artist.


193 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

This read is exactly what the blurb says. A cat and mouse chase. Kenon is a very wealthy artist who has his pick of projects. Wally is a bartender struggling to pay off his student loans and housing expenses. While working a show for Kenon, Wally is approached by the artist and asked to meat him after the show. Kenon is so sure of himself he is shocked when Wally leaves without hooking up. From there on the chase is on.

Not wanting to tell the whole story here, there is a lot of flirting, then things heat up, then get put on hold, then more flirting, heat up and more put on hold. Kenon thinks he scared Wally off by coming on to strong. Wally doesn't think he belongs in Kenon's world. Kenon comes up with a plan to hire Wally as a party planner (???) to keep him around while luring him to his bed. All the while Wally makes it plain that he wants to be in his bed. Then there is a missunderstanding caused by the antagonist in the story.

Somewhere in Kenon's past there is an ex that used him and then publicly humiliated him. Just how is never said but it is why the missunderstanding comes so easily. I didn't really see love as much as just hooking up. I thought the best dialogue was between Kenon and his best friend Bos, and when Wally was writing his erotica putting his fantasies of Kenon to paper. I didn't like Kenon until the last chapter when I thought the characters were actually becoming more than just the quick hook up. Since this is the first in a series I guess I can understand the quick end, but I think the relationship could have been developed a lot more before the "I love you's".

The relationship between Kenon and the antagonist is never explained either.alot of negative stuff going on there and why doesn't Kenon just get rid of the guy. He really doesn't need his money

I gave this a 3 star rating because things just didn't mesh for me but there were some parts that I thought were written really well.
Profile Image for Susan65.
1,649 reviews53 followers
March 21, 2014
What we have with Artist’s Touch is a cat and mouse game between Kenon and Wally. Kenon is the pursuer while Wally is open to being pursued, but he doesn’t trust that it’s more than just a game. And at first, he’s right; it’s not anything more than a game. Kenon is convinced that once he has Wally his infatuation will go away. Wally knows he hasn’t a chance in hell of being more to someone like Kenon than a temporary distraction, and so he lives out his fantasy in the novel he’s writing.

Kenon Alavi is a famous artist who has been betrayed and hurt so badly that he won’t trust his heart to a relationship ever again. He is loved and adored by all, but to him it’s all fake and phony. If it wasn’t for the money he would tell them all to shove it. But he has plans for his Guild and those plans require a lot of money.

Wally Harte is a recent college graduate, who is struggling to support himself by bartending while he is writing that one novel that will catapult him into fame, and out of his slummy apartment. Wally has the fortune (or maybe misfortune) to meet Kenon while bartending at one of his unveilings. There is an instant attraction but Wally considers himself a nobody and doesn’t believe that Kenon could possibly want him for anything more than a temporary plaything.

While I enjoyed the premise of the story I found I needed a little more background on Kenon to completely like him. He came off very selfish and a user, just as his best friend told him. I enjoyed reading the erotic love story between the two that was part of Wally’s fantasy, but I would have preferred more real time togetherness. I didn’t feel a great connection between the guys and felt that was because it was mostly in Wally’s book and not yet real. However, what I loved was Kenon’s apology to Wally; that was a great way to end the story.

Check out this review and more at The Blogger Girls
Profile Image for Jennifer.
402 reviews
August 10, 2016
A free copy of the book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

The Artist's Touch is mostly about flirting and building up sexual tension between two young men from different worlds. Wally, a just-graduated in-debt struggling young writer, and Kenon, a wealthy, famous artist. I found it to be a quick, easy read and enjoyed Kerry Adrienne's writing style. The story is quite sexy, although there is not much actual sex in it.

I enjoyed the character of Wally. He was a nice balance of youthful hesitance and boldness; growing self-awareness and obtuseness. His relationship with "stoop lady" Maria was a sweet silver lining to the story.

My main issue with the story was Kenon. He was arrogant, selfish and just not likable. I did not buy that Wally could fall for him and I thought the ending was really rushed. Also, the misunderstanding about the book Wally wrote seemed too contrived.

I did really like the concept of the G3 guild. It was interesting and I think a lot more could be done with it. It seems perfect for some kind of intrigue. I hope Kerry Adrienne has additional plans for it.
Profile Image for Jilrene.
938 reviews80 followers
August 19, 2014
I received a free copy of this book via the Goodreads Don't buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 fluffy hearts

What a beautiful romance. I started reading and did not want to stop. Not only was I curious about what would happen next, I felt compelled to keep reading. This is not a heavy mystery or complicated novel. This is a fun, sweet read with a touch of insta-love.

Wally is an aspiring writer. Well, maybe aspiring is a bit of a stretch in the beginning. He’s not found his muse, and just can’t seem to catch a break. Until he meets Kenon. Kenon is the artist who becomes Wally’s muse. I love the fantasy Wally starts writing. It’s porn. Except all we see are little excerpts as Wally writes. It’s actually fun to read how he keeps writing his fantasies as a little story. He hopes to eventually connect those vignettes into a real book. I also enjoyed the chase. Wally ran away at first, so Kenon had to find him and actually work for it. Wally is adorable; Kenon is arrogant but vulnerable. This is their story.

Profile Image for Lisa.
3,501 reviews139 followers
August 2, 2014
** I received this book free for review from the author through the DBML (Don't Buy My Love) program in the M/M Romance Group on Goodreads.**

Kenon is a founding member of the G3, Artists Guild and a famous painter.
At the unveiling of his latest paintings, he meets Wally, a struggling writer of erotica who is tending bar to earn extra money.
He asks Wally to stay behind after the show but Wally runs.
Kenon then tracks Wally down and asks him to organize a masked ball and in the process he begins to seduce him.
However, eventually, Kenon learns that Wally is a writer and assumes he is only with him so he can write about him.

This is my first book by this author and I certainly will be reading more. I hope that there will be further books in this series.
Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Donna.
613 reviews10 followers
April 3, 2014
To start with – the first meeting. Wally (that name bugged me throughout) is working as a bartender at an art exhibition where world famous artist, Kenon Alavi (now that’s a name) is unveiling his latest masterpieces. Their eyes connect across the room with what I pictured to be perfect daytime television smolder and Kenon instantly adds Wally to his “to do” list.

Read my full review about how much I loved this book on The Blog of Sid Love
http://sidlove.com/2014/04/03/book-re...
Profile Image for Imeida Ascolese.
16 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2016
Had this beautiful story in my tbr list and it took me a day and a half to fall in love with Kenon and Wally.

Loved this story. Felt the love and passion Kenon and Wally felt, how it grew with each passing moment. Thank Kerry for bringing these two men to life. Can't wait to read more.
6 reviews
March 12, 2014
I actually enjoyed this.
Loved the idea of an Artist's Guild in NYC.
Loved the characters.
Loved Kenon!

Can't wait for the next one.
Riveting stuff.
Profile Image for Elisa Rolle.
Author 107 books237 followers
December 6, 2015
2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
Profile Image for Amanda.
290 reviews7 followers
November 22, 2015
Really enjoyed this one from a new to me Author. Looking forward to more of this series.
Profile Image for Veronica of V's Reads.
1,528 reviews44 followers
April 12, 2014
I received a copy of this book via Goodreads' Don't Buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review.

Kenon Alavi is a famous artist, highly sought for portrait work of the rich and famous. Kenon is openly gay and enjoys seducing the male partners/husbands of his female clientele. He was hurt, deeply, by a former lover and it has taken a toll on his willingness to pursue another relationship. He also heads the Gallant Gentlemens' Guild, or G3, a collective of artisans of all stripes that live in a renovated set of brownstones on Manhattan's Upper West Side. The commissions of the many artisans--mainly Kenon's--fund their artiste lives. Of course, it's always good to have money and Russian "artist/businessman/gangster" Andrei is interested in franchising the G3 in Russia, which would mean a lot of money for Kenon, but the price of associating with the coarse man is a bit steep, in Kenon's high opinion.

At the display of three of Kenon's latest works, Kenon meets Wallace "Wally" Harte, aspiring writer and full-time bartender. Wally is startled by the attention the famous artist pays him, certainly because this famous man can't possibly sense Wally's attraction. Can he?

Well, Kenon's uber-frustrated that the tasty morsel of innocence at the bar escaped before he could whet his whistle. So, he seeks him out and the chase is on.

Determined to have Wally, Kenon decides to hire him as a part-time assistant, then he learns Wally is a writer. This is a problem--Kenon's terrified that Wally will make a scandalous book embarrassing him worse than his former lover had. He moves slowly, however, toward sating his attraction--frustrating himself and Wally in the process. At least Wally knows what to do with his sexual tension: pour it into an erotic novel, with Kenon as the main character.

When Andrei makes his move to gain Wally's favor Kenon can't hold back any longer. They finally do the deed! Of course, learning that Wally wrote a tell-all book about Kenon sends the artist into apoplexy. Will these two be able to reconcile? Are they meant for more than one night?

I really enjoyed this one. The language is lovely, and seeing the vulnerable man beneath Kenon's haughty persona was a great change. Also, watching Wally develop his confidence, first as a writer and then as a man and lover was a sweet experience. This book is the beginning of a series, and we can see the development of many story lines to address going forward. The clear antagonism of Andrei will certainly carry forward, however I hope we get to see more of Kenon and Wally.

For a M/M romance this one is a lot on the build up and a little on the smexytimes. Most of the scenes were told as asides/flashbacks or imagined through Wally's writing passages. Would have liked a little more meat on the bones, so to speak, but it's an interesting story with great characterization, nonetheless. I was afraid it would rush the end, but no, it didn't.
Profile Image for mah1.
463 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Artist's Touch is a quick and sweet read and if you're looking for some fluff with mild angst, this might just hit the spot.

Overall the story is pretty simple; an aspiring writer falls for an artist, who has been betrayed by an earlier boyfriend and is only looking for brief flings.

The first problem I encountered with the book was the modern setting. It felt like the writer was used to historical settings, but I can't be sure because this is the first book by her I've encountered. And while I appreciate the probable reasons for choosing a modern setting, I just didn't think it worked. An era when artist's who paint portraits were held in high regard would've, in my opinion, been better.

That brings me to my second issue, which is Wally. If the stroy hadn't taken place in the 21st century I could've understood why Wally found it so hard to believe Kenon might want to have a one night stand with him. As it is, it led me to believe he had severe self esteem issues, because celebrities sleeping with bartenders doesn't sound all that unbelieveable to me. To be brutally honest, Wally felt like a complete idiot through out the book.

What saved alot for me was Kenon. Not because he was such a great character, but because he wasn't. He was a user who hid behind old hurts and I loved it when his friend told him as much. I got a kick out of reading about his seduction plans. He was such an arrogant ass and never even considered his plans might backfire.

As for the love, I don't understand when it happened. I'm glad it did, sure, but I just didn't see it. It was just sort of announced that they loved each other and I was left feeling a bit detached.

By my review so far one might get the impression that I didn't like the book at all but that's not the case. There were many things I appreciated.

The Guild was itriguing enough and because this book is obviously the start of a series I'm hoping the whole idea behind it will be explored more and the world expanded.

The length was good and there weren't too many characters stuffed into the story. I also think that too many writers are afraid to keep their plots simple. If you want to tell a story about two guys falling in love and that's it, then why not do it. Here the author clearly knew what she wanted to write and did just that.

Both Kenon and Wally were far from perfect, which was great. It makes characters much more relateable when they are flawed. They had chemistry and I wouldn't mind finding out about their life together more in the future.

So, a solid three star rating from me. I did enjoy the book and I'm looking forward to reading the sequels.

My thanks to the author as well as the DBML program for the chance to read this book.

Profile Image for Crystal Marie.
1,483 reviews68 followers
July 20, 2016
What happens when two creative souls, one a world famous artist, the other a bartender/part time new author, meet for the first time? Sparks fly and resistance increases for these two men. Kenon has been hurt recently by another creative artist, who wanted to use him for his money and fame, only to sell him out and leave Kenon with broken pieces of his heart.
Wally is a poor boy who wants to be a bestselling author but knows in order to do that he is going to have to work his way up and more importantly move out of the rat trap he calls an apartment. Wally is working Kenon’s art exhibit as the bar tender one night and felt Kenon staring at him with an intense look. Thinking it was because of a glass he accidently broke, he runs after his shift was over, even though Kenon had asked Wally to stay.
The next few weeks becomes a cat and mouse game where Kenon tries to take his time in showing Wally his interests and Wally discovering the writer’s block he was suffering is now cured with fantasies of Kenon and his new role as a model for the G3. Both making it clear they wanted each other, yet neither making a move to get it started.
Even after a session of modeling for Kenon turned into night of lustful passion, fear of history repeating itself directed Kenon to be the one to back away AGAIN. We watch as the men fight to find their way through the fear and insecurities to make it back to each other.
While the writing style was great and the characters well developed, I found I was rather bored midway through the book with this individual POV going. We would have a chapter of Kenon, then a chapter of Wally, when we as the reader already knew they were going to find a way together even if for one night. I guess I am saying that there was too much over character development for my taste. I would recommend this to anyone who loves an m/m romance book, if you don’t mind a lot of individual self-talk in the beginning by the characters, I think you will find this a great read.

Reviewed by Tbird for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for honest review*
Profile Image for Tbird London.
558 reviews4 followers
December 6, 2014
What happens when two creative souls, one a world famous artist, the other a bartender/part time new author, meet for the first time? Sparks fly and resistance increases for these two men. Kenon has been hurt recently by another creative artist, who wanted to use him for his money and fame, only to sell him out and leave Kenon with broken pieces of his heart.
Wally is a poor boy who wants to be a bestselling author but knows in order to do that he is going to have to work his way up and more importantly move out of the rat trap he calls an apartment. Wally is working Kenon’s art exhibit as the bar tender one night and felt Kenon staring at him with an intense look. Thinking it was because of a glass he accidently broke, he runs after his shift was over, even though Kenon had asked Wally to stay.
The next few weeks becomes a cat and mouse game where Kenon tries to take his time in showing Wally his interests and Wally discovering the writer’s block he was suffering is now cured with fantasies of Kenon and his new role as a model for the G3. Both making it clear they wanted each other, yet neither making a move to get it started.
Even after a session of modeling for Kenon turned into night of lustful passion, fear of history repeating itself directed Kenon to be the one to back away AGAIN. We watch as the men fight to find their way through the fear and insecurities to make it back to each other.
While the writing style was great and the characters well developed, I found I was rather bored midway through the book with this individual POV going. We would have a chapter of Kenon, then a chapter of Wally, when we as the reader already knew they were going to find a way together even if for one night. I guess I am saying that there was too much over character development for my taste. I would recommend this to anyone who loves an m/m romance book, if you don’t mind a lot of individual self-talk in the beginning by the characters, I think you will find this a great read.
Profile Image for Angela Goodrich.
1,608 reviews102 followers
June 3, 2014
Artist's Touch tells the story of two starving artists, Wally and Kenon. Wally is an aspiring young author who works as a bartender in order to pay the bills as he struggles to find inspiration for his first novel - he is a perfect example of the starving artist. On the other hand, Kenon is a rich and highly sought after portrait painter who has the luxury of picking and choosing the commissions he accepts; yet he too is a starving artist, but Kenon is starving for a true creative outlet, an opportunity to paint a subject that inspires him rather than pays him.

I enjoyed watching the drama unfold as Kenon began his pursuit of Wally with the intent of engaging in a short-term affair. They soon become one another's muse and this is especially important for Wally because we soon see his confidence grow as he finds himself writing productively. Wally's increased confidence throws Kenon off-balance and makes for an amusing encounter or two. I found the relationship development to be well-paced and believable.

I will admit that I was surprised that it is well into the book (~75%) before Wally and Kenon finally have sex. While Wally's writing includes fantasized sexual encounters, there are only two actual sexual encounters and though they were well written, they were not as hot as I would have expected from an Ellora's Cave novel. This is not said as a complaint, but rather to illustrate that Artist's Touch is more of a romance than erotica.
Artist's Touch was a well-written book and I enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more of Kerry Adrienne’s books.

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
Profile Image for Victoria Rainey.
512 reviews8 followers
October 3, 2014
Night Owl Review

Original Review Published here: http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Rev...


Kenon Alavi is a master painter who is so good that everyone is clamoring for him to do there portrait. He seems to have women throwing themselves at him however, Kenon is gay. The boyfriends capture his attention more than the women who throw themselves at him. Kenon is under the impression that what he wants he gets and when he spots Wally, Kenon expects Wally to fall in line along everyone else.

Wallace “Wally” Harte is a bartender. While he has a degree it’s not doing him much good. He had writer’s block until he meets Kenon who inspires him to write again. Wally starts writing a romance novel. Wally also does not seem to understand Kenon’s attraction to him.

The connection between Wallace and Kenon is intense. The attraction between them increases the more time they spend together. It’s so surprising about how well they not only get along but the powerful chemistry between them. It takes a while for these two figure out everything. I found this every realistic how it was not easy or quick. The sex scenes were scorching.

Artist’s Touch is the first book in the Guild series by Kerry Adrienne. I found this book well written with a fascinating plot. The ending is a bit predictable but it was interesting to see Kenon and Wallace come together. The main characters and the secondary characters were captivating. Overall, I loved this book. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Alicia.
79 reviews7 followers
April 14, 2014
(This book was received free in return for an honest review.)

3.5 Stars
Creative writer/bartender Wally has captured the attention of famous portrait painter Kenon. What follows is a round about seduction on the part of both men. Both MCs are extremely insecure and allow others to impact their lives and thoughts.
Overall I thought that Artist's Touch was a fairly good book. The story was unique and the author "paints" a very pretty picture. Some of the descriptions were breathtaking and the reader got a delicious feel for the scenery or events. Although there is m/m action in the story, it is glossed over and is best described by Wally in the story that he is creating.
Unfortunately, at times the author got a little carried away and became repeticious. There were also some glaring editing issues which often required me to reread some sections.
Note of Interest: The G3 guild was an amazing creation by the author. We could use a few more places like that in the world.
Profile Image for Deanna.
2,735 reviews65 followers
December 28, 2016
I enjoyed this story even with all of its angst. Kenon is instantly enamored with Wally but he doesn't do relationships.

He’d have Wally. He just needed to play the game a little differently than he usually did. Wally wasn’t used to the big leagues. He’d frightened the boy with his forwardness. He’d try again and take his time with him—a sneak attack instead of a frontal assault. Lure him. Seduce him.

Wally was a young writer who wasn't writing.

He took in a deep breath. The guild. He hadn’t felt so alive in a long time, not since he’d been in college and dreamed of writing the next great American novel. That dream had all but died in the reality of working and living in the city. Just getting by was expensive and working hard was mandatory. He hadn’t realized how badly he’d had the joy sucked out of him by the daily grind.

They shouldn't fit together but they did. Too bad they didn't seem to understand that.

Profile Image for Sadonna.
2,706 reviews46 followers
August 24, 2014
2.75 stars. I thought the writing was pretty good, but I felt like it was missing some depth - especially for Wally. He seemed more a caricature rather than a character. Kenon was more developed - we got a better - although not completely clear - understanding of his motivation from past betrayals. I think the story would have been more engrossing if it were longer giving more background to the characters and their desires. Why i Wally in NYC? Where is he from? Why does he write? What is it with Kenon's obsession with money and the guild? What really happened with Michael? Why is Andrei such a douche? Maybe we get more answers in the next book.

I'm really hoping that the next book is about Bos because I found him the most compelling character of the book. He seems to see things pretty clearly :)
Profile Image for Susan Anne.
840 reviews5 followers
August 6, 2016
I recently received a copy of Artist’s Touch by Kerry Adrienne and really enjoyed it. Having been on the fringes of the NY art world at one time, it was fun to read about a successful artist and his fantastic home/studio/guild on the upper west side. He had many personal obstacles to overcome on the road to a relationship, but had help from a BFF to get there. The other protagonist also had an encouraging voice in the form of a fellow tenant in his slummy apartment complex. I found some of the secondary characters to be deserving of their own story. The artist’s guild could well lend itself to a series. A fun quick read.
2,835 reviews3 followers
March 27, 2014


Rating: 3.75 stars out of 5

ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords.com: "Artist's Touch was enjoyable romantic story, my first from this author. I found it to be sweet without being too cloying, and based on a terrific premise of an artist's guild, G3, which Adrienne is developing into a series. There was so much about Artist's Touch that I liked, from the plot to most of the characters that the positive elements outweighed the few issues I had with the story. So let's start with those first…"


To read my full review , visit http://wp.me/p220KL-2aN
Profile Image for Anji Plesh.
1 review1 follower
April 5, 2014
An erotic read with sexual tension simmering on every page. The story of Kenon and Wally is a light quick read, the perfect escape on a dreary day. Always fun to immerse yourself in the story of a complete jerk being reformed by true love and this game of chase has the expected yet very satisfying ending. Would have enjoyed more time spent in this world as it is filled with luxurious details that tempt the senses and characters screaming for more attention. Looking forward to the next story in the series so we can see more of the Guild.
Profile Image for Vicki Tubridy.
274 reviews2 followers
March 16, 2015
Artist Touch blew me away. I did not want this book to end so I pray there is more to come, please say that there is.

Kenon and Wally are just amazing so different yet the same if that makes sense. I felt for them both and was cheering for them hoping and praying while holding my breath to see what would happen.

I wanted to slap that Andretti ( sorry if I spelt that wrong) he just grrr

Seriously everyone needs to own a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Mike.
1,174 reviews30 followers
June 25, 2015
Sweet story of a successful talented larger than life artist and a shy bartender

The shy Wally really worked for me and Kenon was an interesting mix of success, wealth, control, confidence and vulnerability. The slow build of the flamboyant, headstrong artist pursuing (and in the end wary of) the poor, possibly greedy dreamer made for heat and enough of a story to build a bit (albeit rushed) of a relationship and ensuing heat.
28 reviews
August 27, 2014
Not so sure.

Not so sure.

This is one of those stories that I just can't fathom or understand. Did I like it? I'm not so sure. The story lacked a depth. There was Kenyon oh so paranoid and Wally blushing at every turn. For goodness sake I was hoping for something I could really get into but boy was I disappointed.
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